Bill > HF1857

This bill prohibits the elective declawing of cats in Minnesota, defining declawing as a surgical procedure that amputates or modifies a cat's paw to remove its claws. The bill specifically defines key terms, including what constitutes a "cat" (an animal from the Felidae family) and distinguishes between elective and therapeutic procedures. Under the law, veterinarians and other individuals would be prohibited from performing surgical claw removal, declawing, or tendonectomy (cutting tendons to impair claw function) except when medically necessary to address an existing health condition that jeopardizes the cat's health. The bill allows for routine claw maintenance like trimming and applying temporary nail caps. Violations of this prohibition would result in escalating civil penalties: $500 for the first offense, $1,000 for the second offense, and $2,500 for the third and subsequent offenses. These penalties can be pursued through civil action by county attorneys or the state attorney general, aiming to protect cats from unnecessary surgical procedures that could cause pain or impair their natural abilities.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bills/bill.php?b=House&f=HF1857&ssn=0&y=2025